ESPLER Holds Press Conference, Rally at Democratic Convention

ESPLER Holds Press Conference, Rally at Democratic Convention

SAN FRANCISCO — Erotic Service Provider Legal Education and Research Project (ESPLER) has announced that it will be holding a press conference in conjunction with its planned rally outside of tomorrow's Democratic Convention to advocate for sex workers’ rights.

The press conference is scheduled for 12 p.m. (PDT) tomorrow outside the Moscone Center at the northwest corner of 3rd and Howard, with the Die In and Rally for International Whore’s Day to follow.

"We want the California State Democratic Party, the candidates, delegates, elected officials, the Central Committee members and all the volunteers to know this 'big tent' needs to include our rights too," said Maxine Doogan of ESPLER.

Specifically, organizers are hoping to present the Resolution to Decriminalize Prostitution to the committee's delegates, urging the California Democratic Party to endorse full decriminalization as its platform for the upcoming 2020 elections. 

This year, the California Democratic Party Convention coincides with International Whore’s Day, a yearly protest for sex workers' rights that has only increased in popularity and attendance since the 2018 passage of FOSTA/SESTA. 

Considering the high percentage of delegates expected to be in attendance that voted to pass FOSTA/SESTA, a bill which has largely been criticized as detrimental to consensual sex workers' safety and livelihoods, Rachel West of the sex worker activist group USPROStitutes Collective urged, "We want the presidential candidates attending the Convention to see and hear some of the real-life effects on our already marginalized community." 

Following the press conference, The Democratic Decriminalization Rally is scheduled to run until 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Maxine Doogan at (415) 265-3302 or email info@esplerpl.org.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

French Court Suspends Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

The Paris Administrative Court has suspended enforcement of age verification regulations for sites based in other European Union member nations, pending a final judgment on whether France’s AV rules align with EU standards.

UK Parliament Weighs Proposals Targeting Adult Content

The U.K. Parliament this week debated proposed amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, including clauses criminalizing “choking” content — and potentially outlawing paying for sex acts in cam performances and custom clips.

Show More